St James News

Faith & Wellbeing

 

STEM & Sustainability

WELLBEING

Up Day

  

On Thursday 2nd December students took part in Up Day. Students got the chance to meet their new teacher, students and classroom for 2022. During their time in their 2022 classroom students were involved in a number of activities to assist them in beginning to make connections with their new teacher and classroom peers. 

The 4Rs of primary school holidays

I recently found the following article and thought as much as we all know we need to use the holiday time to rejuvenate ourselves, it always good to remind ourselves why and how. 

 

We all know the three Rs of school, but what about the four Rs of the holidays? Follow these steps to help your child get ready for the new school year (or term)…

 

Recharge

The great thing about the summer holidays is how long they are! Try to give your child (and yourself) plenty of downtime so that you are all relaxed and refreshed by the time school starts again. If you can, keep the final days of the holidays fairly quiet, rather than tiring everyone out with last-minute activities.

 

Reflect

The New Year’s tradition of reflecting on the past and making resolutions for the future is not just for adults. It’s a great way to help your child learn from their experiences of the last school year and set themselves up for the next. There’s no need to hold a formal ‘review’, just find some time to talk with your child about:

  • things they did and didn’t like about school last year
  • things they feel they did and didn’t do well
  • things they’d like to do and achieve this year.

Then talk about what your child can do to achieve their goals, and how you can help them. If they had some challenges last year, talk about what happened and why, and work out what your child (and you) can do this year so they have a better time. When your child has strategies for handling problems of the past, backed up by your support, they are much more likely to start the new school year with a positive mindset.

 

Reset

The new school year gives every child a fresh start – different classmates, probably a different teacher, perhaps even a different school. At school your child will also have more independence, responsibilities and opportunities, so it’s a good time to think about giving them more at home too. Here are some areas to consider:

  • personal responsibility – making their own lunches, unpacking their school bag
  • family contribution – setting the table, putting away washing
  • routines – bedtimes
  • privileges – screen time, TV programs.

Restart

A gradual transition from ‘holiday mode’ to ‘school mode’ makes the first day back much easier, so start getting back into the school routine a few days before the term starts. Involve your child in getting all their school things ready, and check how they are feeling about going back to school.

 

Then make sure they get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, give them a big hug, and send them off to class knowing that you’ve given them a great start to the school year!

 

There is no doubt that this year was even harder than the last! Who would have ever thought. Be kind to yourself and your loved ones these holidays. Take care and enjoy time with family and friends and I will look forward to seeing you all in 2022. 

 

Mrs Georgia McNamara

Student Wellbeing Leader

gmcnamara@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

A message from StVdP  Gardenvale Conference

Dear Brendan,

 

This morning I sorted out the food you donated to us yesterday.

 

The School has done a superb job; we prepared 36 hampers all containing lots of festive foods. We will not need to buy anything and there is a lot of food left for next year’s visits.

 

As I was working in the store room, some boys, my guess is grade six, walked past, smiled and offered to help; how nice of them. In one bag I found a note that  touched my heart; the donor apologises for not including some items; the children of St James not only have a big heart, they also have beautiful manners.

 

On behalf of the Conference, thank you again for your support and many thanks to all teachers and staff involved.

 

Merry Christmas,

Alberto

 

Important Dates

Dec 14th - Year 6 Graduation and Mass

 

For Parish Newsletters, please refer to the new Parish Website

https://www.baysidecatholicmission.org/ 

 

 

Emma Herbert

RE Leader / STEM & Sustainability Leader

eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au